2008 BMW 328i Engine Oil Capacity

The 2008 BMW 328i takes 5.3 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil. Learn more about BMW engine oil maintenance here.
Written by Olivia Rose
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
background
You can buy the 2008 BMW 328i used as a coupe, sedan, or wagon to meet your driving needs—and the reputable BMW brand is sure to impress any driving enthusiast. Knowing the engine oil capacity of a 2008 BMW 328i is a key part of keeping this vehicle road-ready. 
Changing the oil yourself in your 2008 BMW 328i will help you save money on regular car maintenance. If it seems overwhelming, don’t worry!
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comparison expert, is here with everything you need to know about changing the oil on your 2008 BMW 328i and lowering your BMW 328i insurance costs
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2008 BMW 328i engine oil capacity

Just how much oil do you need for your
oil change
? The 2008 BMW 328i has an engine oil capacity of 5.3 quarts or 5.02 liters
Sometimes car maintenance terms can get confusing, so make sure you never mix up your engine displacement (3 liters for the 2008 328i) with your engine’s oil capacity (the amount of oil its oil tank needs to run). Mixing up these figures would have you filling your oil tank with 2 liters less than the necessary oil amount—and severely damaging your engine!

What kind of oil does a 2008 BMW 328i need?

Not all engines need the same type of oil. So, along with oil capacity, it’s imperative that you know your car’s engine oil type. BMW recommends 5W-30 motor oil for your 2008 328i. 
If you’re wondering what 5W-30 means, we’ve got answers. When it comes to engine oil, it’s all about viscosity. The “W” stands for “winter,” and the number 5 in front of it tells us that this oil has a relatively low viscosity at 0°F. The number 30 means that this oil is still pretty thin at 212°F, which is an engine’s normal operating temperature. 
The long and short of it is that this oil will be stable in both cold and hot temperatures, so it will minimize wear and tear on your engine. 
BMW recommends full synthetic motor oil.over conventional oil for your 328i. Generally, synthetic motor oils cause even less wear and tear on your engine—and they don’t have to be changed as often. Win-win!
The owner’s manual recommendation for oil for the 2008 BMW 328i is
Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage
. These are also great options:
MORE:

How often to change the oil on a 2008 BMW 328i

It’s time to change your oil… right? Check again! 
BMW recommends changing the oil on your 2008 328i every 3,500 to 5,000 miles as part of your
basic car maintenance schedule
. This is a standard manufacturer recommendation for oil changes. So if you’ve had the oil in your car changed at a mechanic or car servicing shop in the past, you can expect your oil change indicator (the oil change light on your dashboard) to turn on when you’ve hit 3,500 miles. 
But if you don’t drive far or often, an oil change every 6 months is a good benchmark to go by. And if you’re using full synthetic oil, you can generally drive more miles between changes.
However, a 2008 BMW 328i is no spring chicken. Depending on the condition of your car, you might need more frequent oil changes than the manufacturer’s recommendation. Here are some signs that the oil in your engine might need changing: 
  • Oil is dark brown rather than golden amber
  • Oil is gritty or coarse
  • New smells coming from your engine, especially the smell of oil or burning 
  • Unexplained changes in your car’s performance, such as decreased fuel efficiency
  • Unfamiliar noises coming from your engine
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How to change your oil and oil filter

When your 2008 BMW 328i is truly due for an oil change, the first step is to prepare your supplies. You’ll need a socket wrench, filter wrench, and a drain pan. You’ll also need a replacement filter and a washer for your drain bolt
And the most important part: you’ll need at least 6 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil
Put on an outfit that can get dirty—it’s time to start changing your oil! Here’s a step-by-step guide.
  • Turn your engine on until your car reaches its normal operating temperature. 
  • Turn your engine off and pop the hood. 
  • Unscrew the oil fill cap from the oil tank.
  • Go beneath the engine and unscrew the drain bolt, allowing the dirty oil to drain into a drain pan
  • Remove the old oil filter.
  • When all the old oil is drained, install the new filter
  • Reattach the drain bolt with a new washer
  • Fill the tank with 5.3 quarts of 5W-30 motor oil. 
  • Secure the oil fill cap back onto the oil tank.
The
oil change shouldn't take too long
to complete. Just run your engine for a few minutes to check for any strange sounds, noises, or oil leaks. If all looks good, you can start cleaning up! 
Remember to put your dirty motor oil in a sealed container to bring to your local motor oil recycling center. Don’t dump it down the drain or throw it in the garbage bin!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Now that you’re a pro at engine oil maintenance, why not use
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BMW car insurance
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